Fungal Pathogens Cause Financial Losses & Health Risks
Corn is one of the most consumed crops globally, and demand is expected to triple by 2050. Due to factors that impact yield, including climate change and crop diseases, growers may struggle to meet these needs.
Pathogenic fungi such as Aspergillus and Fusarium are some of the most significant threats to corn, producing mycotoxins in grain. Mycotoxins are chemicals that can cause lifelong adverse health impacts and even death in humans and animals. In developing countries, approximately 4.5 billion people are regularly exposed to aflatoxins, mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus.
Mycotoxins also have severe economic impacts. In the U.S., mitigation efforts and crop losses due to mycotoxins cost growers $1.4 billion a year. Mycotoxin contamination also prompts food recalls, resulting in additional economic losses and potentially exposing consumers to severe illness.
Developing corn varieties that are resistant to mycotoxin-producing fungi is the most environmentally friendly, cost-effective and accessible way to reduce their spread and impact. To achieve this goal, researchers led by Dr. Josiah Mutuku, group leader at 2Blades, are using new genetic tools to develop corn that is resistant to these fungi.
Developing Genetic Resistance in Corn
The threat of mycotoxins in corn is increasing with climate change. Drought, extreme rain, higher temperatures and humidity are extending the range of mycotoxin-producing fungi. Changing weather patterns will create favorable conditions for their growth in nearly 90% of corn-growing counties in 15 states in 2031-2040 compared to 2011-2020 levels. Fungicides are not a viable strategy in mycotoxin prevention because of their cost, difficulty with application and unclear effectiveness.
In this project, researchers are employing 2Blades’ new gene discovery platform to test thousands of cell surface receptors, to find proteins that react to Aspergillus and Fusarium. The researchers can then transfer the genes for these proteins to corn germplasm – genetic stocks – to develop corn varieties that recognize and create an immune response to these fungi.
This scientific research is enabling food systems and supply chains to be more resilient. Developing corn varieties resistant to toxic fungi will lower production costs and preserve both grain quality and yields, which increases growers’ incomes. This research presents a significant step in ensuring safe food for all.